Chapter 44: Arrival at Dani village

A magnificent carriage, elegantly adorned, glided through the countryside, effortlessly pulled by a pair of powerful horses, their speed not dipping below a respectable 60 kilometers per hour.

The coachman, a skilled conductor of this equine-powered symphony, scanned the surroundings, occasionally offering encouragement with gentle pats to the majestic beasts that drove the splendid chariot.

"May I inquire, sir," the coachman inquired with a respectful tone, "how long do you intend to sojourn in the enchanting Dani village?"

The solitary occupant of the carriage bore an air of regal distinction, resembling a prince from a faraway realm.

His silver hair danced in harmony with the wind as he leaned out of the window, hands supporting his gaze as he reveled in the natural beauty that surrounded him.

"not more than two days, I reckon," the Man replied, his voice as smooth as velvet, yet resonating with a regal authority that matched his appearance.

This man, none other than Max, found himself captivated by the scenic vistas that unfolded before him, as the horses continued their graceful journey with increasing speed, urged on by the rhythmic cadence of the coachman's voice.

Max's journey to Dani village was not solely driven by the system's main quest, which required him to provide financial assistance to the SunCare Orphanage.

While he was committed to fulfilling this mission, Max had a deeper, more personal motivation for visiting the orphanage.

It stemmed from a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of these orphaned children, a cause he held close to his heart.

In his past life, Max had also experienced the harsh realities of growing up in an orphanage, making him intimately aware of the hardships these children faced.

He understood the harsh treatment society often meted out to them, viewing them as mere tools rather than individuals deserving of care and support.

Max's firsthand experience allowed him to empathize with the orphans' daily struggles. He vividly remembered the stark contrast between a typical 8-year-old's journey to school in a luxurious car and the arduous battle for survival that children of the orphanage had to wage just to satisfy their basic needs.

His visit to the SunCare Orphanage was not just a quest; it was an earnest attempt to provide solace, hope, and a brighter future for the children who, like him in the past, were often marginalized by society's indifference.

As Max's mind wandered through memories of his previous life, he lost track of time.

Two hours had swiftly slipped by when, abruptly, the horse-drawn carriage came to a halt before a weathered gate. The coachman rapped on the window of the carriage twice, snapping Max from his reverie.

---

"Sir, we have reached Dani village," the coachman announced, his voice a respectful interruption. "Would you like to proceed directly, or shall I await your return here?"

"No need to accompany me," Max replied with a sincere smile. He had no desire to draw attention to himself at the orphanage. "You can wait here, and I will return tomorrow at the same time," he added, grateful for the discretion the coachman offered.

"Very well, Sir," the coachman acknowledged with a slight bow, signifying his understanding of Max's wishes.

Max disembarked from the carriage and proceeded with a purposeful stride toward the village gate.

Unlike the stringent protocols he had observed in other regions, this gate was guarded by a lone sentry, and there seemed to be minimal activity - no one entering or exiting.

A feeling of unease crept over Max as he pondered the unusual quietude.

'It was apparent that something was amiss,' a thought that weighed heavily on his mind.

As Max approached the gate, the guard, who had been sitting on a bench, stood up and straightened his uniform. "Hello, Sir, welcome to Dani village," the man cordially greeted Max with a warm smile.

However, Max's brow furrowed as he regarded the guard. Something didn't quite add up. He couldn't recall seeing this man in the village during David's last visit, which was just one year ago.

The unfamiliar face triggered Max's curiosity and a sense of foreboding as he contemplated the changes in Dani village during his absence.

Max greeted the guard with a feigned smile, masking his underlying curiosity. He knew that if he wanted to gather information, he needed to tread carefully and adopt an alternative approach.

"Excuse me, but the entry fee is two silver coins, and I'll need to record your identification. If you don't mind my asking, may I inquire about the person you intend to visit?" the guard politely inquired.

"Hello," Max replied, maintaining his polite demeanor. "Of course, here are the two silver coins for entry." He handed over the required fee and then subtly shifted the conversation. "Regarding the ID, here take it. As for my purpose, I'm here to visit an old friend," he stated, adding a touch of mystery to his words.

The guard, his interest piqued, examined Max's attire, which was noticeably of high quality. The attire hinted at wealth, which naturally raised questions about Max's reasons for venturing into this rural village.

Politely, the guard continued, "Certainly, sir. If you could just provide me with your friend's name or any other details, I'd appreciate it." He prepared to jot down the information, ready to inquire discreetly about the stranger's presence in the village.

Max remained composed, understanding that the guard's curiosity was justified. "My friend's name is Sarah," he revealed, choosing a common name to maintain a level of secrecy. "I've heard she resides in this peaceful village, and I've been looking forward to reconnecting with her."

The guard nodded and noted down the name. He couldn't help but wonder about the connection between the affluent visitor and Sarah, a resident of the Dani village.

However, he decided to respect Max's privacy and simply stated, "Very well, sir. Enjoy your visit to Dani village and your reunion with Sarah."

Max reached into his pocket, took out five gold coins, and handed them over to the guard, all while maintaining his friendly demeanor.

"You see, I'm quite new to this village, and I was wondering if you could share some insider tips with me," Max asked, flashing a warm smile.

The guard's eyes widened in astonishment when he saw the gold coins. He had never encountered gold coins in his entire life, and the ease with which Max parted with them left the guard overjoyed.

Grinning from ear to ear, he responded enthusiastically, "Of course, sir. I'd be more than happy to help you with any information you need."